17 – 20 May 2022

Balkans Group organised the first edition of the 2022 Executive Programme “Youth in Politics: Governance and Political Systems”. Thirty seven young members of all parliamentary parties in Kosovo participated in an intensive four-day training of learning new topics and skills. The participants came from different municipalities.

The opening remarks were delivered by the Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Mr. Jens Erik Grøndahl, who said that “It is worth mentioning that the beginning of this training coincides with the Day of the Constitution of Norway, which is celebrated as a national day. This day in Norway is celebrated not with military parades, but with peaceful parades of children and citizens, as they march with music and flags. The same importance should be given to the Constitution in Kosovo and that it is essential that the younger generations show their trust and support for democracy and the constitutional order.’’

The course included training from renowned professors on: European Integration, Regional cooperation and Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Good Governance and the Rule of Law, Economic Development, Educational Policies, Health Policies and Gender and Social Inclusion.

In addition participants were provided expertise and engaged in interactive activities in developing skills in the policy-cycle, communication with different constituents, conceptualizing and delivering policy briefs, negotiation and dialogue simulation, drafting memos and critical and conceptual thinking.

As part of the Executive Program “Youth in Politics”, Balkans Group organized two study visits, one at the Ministry of Local Government Administration, where the youngsters were hosted by Avdulah Djesevic, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Local Government Administration and Diellor Gashi, Director of the Department for Municipal Performance and Transparency. The second visit took place at the Ombudsperson Institution, where Mr. Naim Qelaj, Ombudsperson, informed youngsters about the role and mandate of the Ombudsperson Institution, as well as about the competencies and responsibilities deriving from the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Kosovo.

The “Youth in Politics” component is part of the multi-pillar project “Elevate peace & state-building agenda and advancing European agenda”. Balkan Group’s Youth in Politics education programme seeks to offer young individuals and members of political parties throughout Kosovo a chance to develop a practical toolkit to help them overcome some of the most critical hurdles to their progressing career.

The project is funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Pristina.